Estimates are that 25% of your local ranking is based on your Google Business Profile (formerly known as “Google My Business“) listing. We are GBP specialists, with a variety of strategies and tactics to help you take advantage of this critical online local business asset.
Google Maps Marketing service is the process of creating and optimizing your Google Business Profile listing and your authority in Maps such that your ideal prospects can find your business easily in Google.
In addition, building a fully-optimized profile on Google Business Profile is a ranking factor in the Google search results, as the “map pack” (the little map and 3-4 business listings that appear as pins on the map) is now shown above the organic search results.
A recent Moz study suggested that the Google Business Profile ranking factor (that is, how much GBP supports your position in the Map Pack results) to be as much as 25%, and over 8% in the organic results.
These are actual “heatmaps” for Boomcycle Digital Marketing (notoriously difficult to rank agency GBPs!) as well as client projects, showing the relative ranking in Google Maps for the given business and keyword.
Google Business Profile is an irresistible exposure opportunity, especially for local business.
Even nationally-focused businesses should pay attention to their Google My Business listing for several reasons:
Don’t leave your Google Business Profile or your Maps authority in the hands of fate.
Let our expert marketing team get your business ranking in the Map Pack and get those calls and inquiries from your best prospects, before your competition does.
Google Maps Marketing is the process of optimizing your Google Business Profile listing and your authority in Maps to help your ideal prospects find your business easily in Google. Unlike traditional SEO which focuses on website optimization, Local SEO emphasizes geographical relevance and local search signals. A recent study suggested that Google Business Profile ranking factors can account for as much as 25% of your position in the Map Pack results and over 8% in organic results.
Local SEO is critical for business growth, especially for companies serving specific geographic areas. Google Maps Marketing helps you connect with nearby customers actively searching for your products or services. With approximately 46% of all Google searches having local intent, and 88% of consumers who conduct a local search on their smartphone visiting a related store within 24 hours, an optimized Google Business Profile can significantly increase foot traffic, phone calls, and revenue for your business. Discover how we've helped local businesses in our client results.
Your Google Maps ranking is influenced by three primary factors: proximity (how close your business is to the searcher), relevance (how well your Google Business Profile matches the search query), and prominence (how well-known and reputable your business is). Local SEO strategies focus on optimizing these factors through complete and accurate business information, positive customer reviews, consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) citations across the web, local content creation, and building local backlinks. Learn more in our guide to local keyword research.
Results from Google Maps Marketing typically begin to appear within 1-3 months, though significant improvements may take 3-6 months depending on your industry competition and starting position. Local SEO is an ongoing process rather than a one-time effort. Our clients often see initial ranking improvements within weeks of implementing our optimization strategies, with continued growth over time as we build your local authority and reputation signals. See our approach to optimizing your Google Business Profile.
Yes, Local SEO complements traditional SEO by focusing specifically on geographical relevance and local search signals. While traditional SEO helps your website rank for relevant keywords, Google Maps Marketing ensures your business appears in the Map Pack (the local business listings shown above organic search results) and in Google Maps searches. For businesses serving local customers, appearing in these local results is often more valuable than organic rankings alone, as they capture high-intent local customers. Learn more about the differences in our SEO vs SEM guide.
To optimize your Google Business Profile for better Local SEO results, ensure your business information is complete and accurate, select the most relevant business categories, add high-quality photos, collect and respond to customer reviews, post regular updates, answer questions, and utilize all available features like products, services, and attributes. Google Maps Marketing also involves ensuring consistency between your GBP information and your website, as well as building citations across the web that match your profile information. Check out our Ultimate Google Business Profile Checklist.
Reviews are extremely important for Google Maps Marketing success. They directly influence your Local SEO rankings by signaling prominence and relevance to Google. Businesses with more positive reviews tend to rank higher in local search results. Additionally, reviews build trust with potential customers—85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. A strategic approach to generating and responding to reviews is a critical component of any effective Google Maps Marketing campaign. Learn how to get great testimonials in our testimonial guide.
Yes, Local SEO can be highly effective for businesses serving multiple locations. For businesses with physical locations in different areas, creating individual Google Business Profiles for each location is essential. For service-area businesses without physical locations in all areas served, Google Maps Marketing strategies include creating location-specific pages on your website, building local citations for each service area, and developing locally relevant content. These approaches help you appear in local search results across all the geographic areas you serve. See our location pages for Local SEO guide.
Mobile optimization significantly impacts your Google Maps Marketing results since approximately 84% of local searches occur on mobile devices. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in both local and organic search results. For effective Local SEO, ensure your website is responsive, loads quickly on mobile devices, has tap-to-call functionality, provides easy access to your address and directions, and delivers a seamless user experience across all devices. These factors directly influence your visibility in Google Maps and local search results. Learn more about making your website stand out.
To measure Google Maps Marketing success, track metrics including local ranking positions for key search terms, Google Business Profile views and actions (website clicks, direction requests, and phone calls), review quantity and quality, local pack appearances, citation accuracy, and ultimately, conversions from local traffic. Local SEO performance should be evaluated based on these specific local metrics rather than just traditional organic search metrics, as they more accurately reflect your visibility to local customers. Learn more about measuring success in our website traffic measurement guide.
Honestly, I have no idea how anyone thinks they can run their business and do a good job of digital marketing. There’s simply too much to learn, and it changes all the time.
What worked in 2016 probably no longer works.
In fact, as I write this, I’m listening to a podcast about what will replace content marketing in 2021!
In digital marketing, the only constant is change.
Ready to Rank? Schedule your free digital marketing and SEO consultation and get started on the road to visibility in Google, and business success.
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Phone: 925-222-5221
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